2012 IAAPA Brass Ring Award Winners Announced

(November 16, 2012) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Brass Ring Awards, recognizing the best of the best in the attractions industry, brought hundreds of finalists from amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and family entertainment centers around the world to hear the 2012 IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners announced. The ceremony took place in the IAAPA Theatre presented by the Wanda Group located on the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 trade show floor.

The tradition of the brass ring in the attractions industry dates back to the carousels of the late 1800s when rings were suspended above riders; low enough to reach, but high enough to pose a challenge. Most rings were made of iron, so grabbing the brass ring was the rare and cherished prize. Skilled riders who grabbed a brass ring earned a second ride on the carousel. Today, the term ‘brass ring’ is synonymous with high achievement in the attractions industry.

The top honors are given to companies and individuals for excellence in: marketing, live entertainment, human resources, retail, family entertainment centers, new product development, trade show exhibits at IAAPA Attractions Expo, and new this year, food and beverage excellence.

The 2012 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards Winners are:

MARKETING EXCELLENCE*Some marketing awards are divided into the following class distinctions:
Class 1: Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and attractions with annual attendance less than 250,000
Class 2: Zoos and aquariums
Class 3: Amusement parks and attractions—including water parks—with annual attendance of 250,001-1 million
Class 4: Amusement parks and attractions—including water parks—with annual attendance of more than 1 million

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXCELLENCE
The Heart Beat Award recognizes the show that demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its audience.
“Iceploration,” Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA;www.seaworldparks.com/buschgardens-tampa

The Spirit Award recognizes IAAPA members committed to excellence in training and professional development in the area of entertainment.Winner: “Meghan Hakey,” Santa's Village, Jefferson, New Hampshire, USA; www.santasvillage.net

BEST NEW PRODUCTImpact Awardrecognizes the best new product or service in the amusement parks and attractions industry.Winner: Hydromagnetic Mammoth, ProSlide Technology Inc., Ottawa, Canada; www.proslide.com

The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are presented annually during IAAPA Attractions Expo, the largest worldwide gathering of amusement park and attractions industry professionals. The conference and trade show is produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

The Silver sponsor for this year’s event is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.